Double helm seat on FP Athena

[Martin J.]

Hi everyone,
We're taking possession of our Athena in Mid-May and my first project will be to remove the single helm and install a double instead. Any info regarding this project will be greatly appreciated. We will be in Annapolis until October...if you know any good seat specialist in that area, that could help to.
Cheers all 😎


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[Dulcesuenos]

Were still refitting our Athena for extended cruising later this year. We too wanted a double helm seat. The issue we are running into is the current seat is about 18-19" deep. Most double helms are much deeper, and if its even 2 "closer to the helm it gets very tight, plus not a lot of room behind as well. The only solution Ive found is custom make one. Our leopard had a double helm and we only sat together a few times while traveling. ,,,, i think were going to opt for just a more comfy single helm.

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[Rapanui]

The standard helm seat post on our Athena started to crack the grp where it was bolted through due to leverage imposed by the seat use, cured by adding a stainless strap as high up as possible.
A double seat would probably fit if you extend to starboard partly over the side bench. Might make using the starboard sheet winch and clutches slightly more difficult.
We dont use the seat much, use the autopilot mostly, and can keep watch from inside the saloon or wandering around the cockpit or even sitting on the foredeck.

[Martin J.]

We saw a very nice one this winter in St-Martin but I didn't take a picture and now my memory is playing tricks on me!
True that it's fun to sit inside when it's a bit rough on a crossing but there's nothing like sitting beside my loved one during an approach to the anchorages at days end 🌅


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